New Delhi, February 18, 2026: Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday visited the pavilion of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) at the India AI Impact Summit, underlining the need to align India’s clean energy push with parallel reforms in grid infrastructure.
The pavilion, set up at Bharat Mandapam, showcased technology-led solutions under the Global Mission on AI for Energy, focusing on how artificial intelligence, digital systems and geospatial tools can strengthen renewable energy integration and modernise power utilities across ISA member nations.
Energy Transition Must Lead to Grid Transformation
Addressing officials and industry stakeholders, the Minister stressed that expanding renewable capacity alone is not sufficient. He observed that as distributed solar installations and decentralised energy systems grow rapidly, power grids must evolve simultaneously to manage variability and ensure reliability.
He pointed out that digital forecasting tools, intelligent grid management systems and real-time monitoring mechanisms are becoming critical for balancing supply and demand. According to the Minister, modern transmission networks, upgraded distribution infrastructure and data-driven optimisation will define the next phase of India’s energy transformation.
States including Delhi, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh were cited as examples of advancing digitisation, smart metering and automated grid controls, helping reduce losses and improve renewable energy absorption.
India’s Expanding Solar Footprint
Highlighting India’s solar progress, Joshi noted that installed solar capacity has increased dramatically over the past decade, making the country one of the fastest-growing solar markets globally. He said the expansion reflects not only infrastructure growth but also a broader vision of energy access and self-reliance.
Flagship initiatives such as PM-KUSUM have enabled farmers to adopt solar pumps, cutting diesel use and ensuring dependable daytime electricity. Likewise, the PM Surya Ghar rooftop solar programme aims to empower households to generate their own electricity, strengthening distributed generation nationwide.
AI for Smarter Power Systems
With 125 member and signatory countries, the ISA is positioning itself as a platform for scaling practical renewable solutions. Through the Global Mission on AI for Energy, it seeks to combine solar deployment with digital intelligence to enhance system efficiency and resilience.
Among the technologies displayed at the pavilion were a unified digital interface for rooftop solar adoption developed by BSES Rajdhani Power Limited, digital twin models for electricity distribution networks created by Indian startups, and GIS-based grid modernisation initiatives led by Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited.
These innovations demonstrate how AI can support load forecasting, predictive maintenance, outage management and renewable integration, while lowering technical losses and operational risks.
The Minister concluded that the convergence of solar energy, storage solutions, smart grids and artificial intelligence will shape the global energy architecture of the future. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to partnering with ISA member nations in advancing a sustainable, technology-driven and inclusive energy ecosystem.
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